I wrote about the Tinkering School, Engineering camp previously. I am a strong believer in the value of helping kids (even adult kids – the few that haven’t resigned themselves to limited capacity to wonder since they now are grown up and not suppose to waste their time dreaming) explore their ideas and assisting them in making those ideas into reality. I think this is the best way to learn, not learning to pass a test, but learning to gain knowledge and accomplish things. Here is a nice 15 minute talk by the founder of the Tinkering School, Gever Tulley: “Turning Curriculum Design On Its Head: Engage First Then Look for Learning Within”

The format of the tinkering school is week long sessions where the kids stay overnight.

Some quotes: “we would use real tools and real materials and we would build real things, not model building, [but instead] actual building.” “create a meaningful experience and learning will follow”

This is a cool approach to learning and for me defentitely embeds things more in a childs head than jsut going through the theory. It also demonstrates to them that a practical, iterative approach can solve things quickly and effectively. Its certainly an approach I use in business – phased, small burts of activity that iterate and evolve rather than going for big-bang. Great stuff.

[…] advisor. “It is even more important that America’s youth have the opportunity to learn math and science by doing. The President and I strongly support efforts to raise the level of project-based learning, to help […]

Michael May 18th, 2010 @ 9:21 am

When it comes to developing a strong foundation for logical thinking, I’ve always been a strong proponent of getting children started early. I think the idea of having this tinkering school overnight camp is a great idea. Kids are having fun while learning the fundamental critical and creative thinking components from an early age. Thanks for bringing this to our attention!

[…] environmentally friendly). I like the humanity and psychology of connecting with others. I like the tinkering/learning/fixing attitude and behavior. I like the very well done use of the internet to help fund such […]

The maker movement is excellent. As the program suggests it also serves to show many people enjoy engineering and making things work…

Elmar Kruithoff July 1st, 2011 @ 11:53 am

Found this post a little late – and I think this approach is also needed in abstract or long-term issues like climate change as it builds relationship and commitment.

Anonymous July 9th, 2011 @ 7:35 pm

Actually getting your hands busy working on a project makes kids want to learn more. There is nothing worse then a dry paper teaching method to turn off the creativity of budding intellects. And nothing better then the ability to see something come together in reality. However, the removal of the paper and ink entirely will also leave students without the structure necessary to create something with the efficiency and accuracy necessary to manufacture something in the real world economy. One complements the other but the elimination of one can distort a young engineering mind.